Amazon Echo Wall Clock

Sure, the Amazon Echo Wall Clock isn’t exactly a standalone product, meaning that you should be a part of the Alexa family already to utilize its features, but that shouldn’t deter you from the purchase. Not to mention, it’s only $29.99, making it one of Amazon’s most affordable products you can get.

If the name didn’t already give it away, you really do need a separate Echo device to support the Wall Clock. An easy suggestion would be to opt for the Echo Dot, coming in around $30 to $40,which still ain’t that bad in terms of pricing for two different items.

What Stood Out: It’s Extremely Useful If You Use It for the Right Situations

Even if you’re not the most tech savvy, set up for this bad boy won’t take too much time. Once you’ve worked out the pairing with Bluetooth, you’ll discover that this isn’t like the process of winding an old timey clock. Much of the work can be done courtesy of that great thing we call the internet.

And while being able to tell the time is an extraordinary feat that should still be applauded, the biggest selling point of the Echo Wall Clock is its timer visualization.

After you scream at Alexa, telling her you have a timer to set (whether for cooking, sleeping, or what have you), the Wall Clock provides you with the opportunity to see a glowing light show as the outer edge ticks down right before your very eyes. Sounds mundane, sure, but it actually is an extremely helpful little tool to have instead of contemplating how much time is actually left. Not to mention, it’s pretty damn cool to look at.

The Verdict: While Flimsy, the Affordability Factor Makes It a Standout

Be warned: If you’re looking for a high-end, gaudy, bejeweled spectacle, you’re looking in the wrong place. The Amazon Echo Wall Clock is a round piece of plastic, measuring int at around 10 inches in diameter with some numbers around it. That description isn’t meant to sell the product short — it’s just clear that more time and effort (and money) has been put into other items that can work alongside this one.

That doesn’t make it any less worthwhile. The Amazon Echo Wall Clock is meant to make your life easier, and it does just that.

Looking for a more in depth review of the Amazon Echo Wall Clock, including a full list of pros, cons, and specs? Head over to PCMag.